China’s ‘Xiaokang’ Border Defence Villages along the LAC

Context and Recent Developments

In recent times, Chinese nationals have begun to occupy previously vacant “Xiaokang” border defence villages along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. These developments have raised significant concerns for the Indian Army.

The primary worries revolve around the nature of the occupants and the broader strategic implications of these settlements.

Understanding “Xiaokang” Border Defence Villages

The Xiaokang, or “well-off villages”, are a crucial part of China’s strategic infrastructure development initiative. They are specifically located along its borders, particularly the LAC with India.

These villages are strategically built in regions where territorial claims are contested or where China perceives a need to reinforce its sovereignty.

Dual-Use Infrastructure: A Strategic Design

A defining characteristic of these villages is their dual-use infrastructure. This means they are designed to serve multiple purposes simultaneously.

They function both as civilian settlements and potentially as locations for military presence, allowing for flexible deployment and resource utilization.

Associated Concerns for India

The establishment and occupation of these villages present several significant challenges and concerns for India.

• Territorial Claims: China’s construction of 628 such villages along India’s borders with the Tibet Autonomous Region is seen as a concerted effort to assert and solidify territorial claims along the LAC. This necessitates heightened vigilance from Indian military strategists.
• Military Implications: The inherent dual-use nature of these villages raises serious concerns about increased militarisation along the already tense LAC. This could escalate border tensions.
• Uncertain Intentions: A lack of transparency from China regarding the specific purpose and the scale of the civilian population in these villages creates deep suspicion. This opacity significantly hinders any efforts towards trust-building between the two nations.

India’s Counter Initiatives along the LAC

In direct response to China’s infrastructure development, India has significantly intensified its own efforts to enhance border infrastructure since 2019.

• Vibrant Villages Program: This program aims to modernise 663 border villages. Specifically, 17 villages have been selected for development along the China-India border in regions such as Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Border Roads Organization (BRO): The BRO has completed 90 infrastructure projects along the India-China border, with a total value of Rs 2,941 crore. As of September 2023, 36 projects are in Arunachal Pradesh, 26 in Ladakh, and 11 in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Major Highway Projects: The BRO is actively involved in constructing key highways, including the Trans-Arunachal Highway, Frontier Highway, and East-West Industrial Corridor Highway. These projects aim to improve connectivity, especially in eastern Arunachal Pradesh and the Tawang region.
• Border Area Development Programme (BADP): This is a centrally sponsored scheme designed to address the special developmental needs of people living in remote and inaccessible areas near the international border. Funds from BADP can be utilized for projects related to Infrastructure, Livelihood, Education, Health, Agriculture, and allied sectors.
• Railways: Indian Railways is constructing strategic rail lines in the Northeast region. The primary objective is to facilitate the swift mobilisation of the Indian Army, enhancing rapid response capabilities.